What is "phlebotomus"

1. n. a mild viral disease transmitted by the bite of the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasii [syn: sandfly fever, pappataci fever]

2. small blood-sucking sand flies that resemble moths [syn: genus Phlebotomus]

Phlebotomus is a genus of " sand flies" in the Diptera family Psychodidae. In the past, they have sometimes been considered to belong in a separate family, Phlebotomidae, but this alternative classification has not gained wide acceptance.